Manchester United host Arsenal on Monday night at Old Trafford as they renew one of the great Premier League rivalries.
The Red Devils head into the fixture following a loss to West Ham 2-0 a week ago. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lost starting forward Marcus Rashford during the match to a groin strain and the Englishman will miss out on the Monday night fixture.
Manchester United did rebound from the loss with a Carabao Cup win over Rochdale. However, the Red Devils needed penalties to overcome the lower league team.
Arsenal came from behind to defeat Aston Villa a week ago. The Gunners are just as poor in defence this season as last term. They are dependent on their attack to out gun opponents. Unai Emery led Arsenal to a 5-0 win in midweek in the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest to continue their good form.
Manchester United and Arsenal played three times in all competitions last season. Their match at Old Trafford finished in a 2-2 draw with Manchester United twice coming back from a goal down.
The Red Devils claimed a 3-1 win in the FA Cup over the Gunners during their Solskjaer renaissance. Arsenal exacted some revenge late in the season with a 2-0 win at the Emirates.
Arsenal’s defence is a major issue for Emery heading to Old Trafford. The Red Devils have won twice this season with both victories coming at home. Emery needs his defence to step up and keep Manchester United’s attack from cutting through them.
Despite Solskjaer being down to teenage striker Mason Greenwood as his only 100% fit forward, Arsenal’s defence is vulnerable. The Gunners have conceded the fifth-most goals in the league (10). Their last five matches have all seen both teams score and over 2.5 goals scored.
While Solksjaer will be without Rashford, Anthony Martial is expected to return to the team. The Frenchman has missed the last three league matches after getting off to a great start to this season.
Paul Pogba returned to the team against Rochdale after missing two straight games with an ankle injury. Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, and Angel Gomes are all out of action.
Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette is still recovering from an ankle injury. He won’t be back until after the October international break. Konstantinos Mavropanos could make the bench for Monday night after featuring for Arsenal’s under-23 team as part of his injury recovery.
Manchester United have been good at home claiming two victories from three. Arsenal have won just once on the road collecting four points from nine possible. They are winless in two straight away games.
Their poor road form and suspect defence will give Manchester United the upper hand. The Red Devils will pick up the victory and get back to winning ways with over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring.